The sound of waves

Wilsons Promontory National ParkVisitor GuideWilsons Promontory, or ‘the Prom’ as it is affectionately known, is the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland. From sun-drenched summer beaches to secluded winter walks amongst rainforest, the Prom is a park for all people in all seasons.Surrounded by sea on three sidesWilsons Promontory National Park protects 50,460 hectares including pristine beaches, cool shaded rainforests, cloud soaked mountain peaks and rugged offshore islands. A remote historic lighthouse illuminates seas at the southern tip of the Prom.Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park(15,550 hectares) in the south and Corner Inlet Marine National Park (1,550 hectares) in the north protect underwater rocky reefs, sponge gardens, seal colonies and seagrass beds.A rich cultural heritageFor indigenous people, Wilsons Promontory is part of a spiritually significant land called Yirukor Wamoon. Middens (shell deposits) behind many beaches date back thousands of years, demonstrating a deep connection between indigenous people and the Prom’s land and sea.Things to see and doWalking, camping, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving, photography, bird watching, nature study, overnight hikes and simply relaxing are among the many things to do in this beautiful park.Visiting for the day?Day visitor entry to the park is free withthe main visitor facilities located at Tidal River. Please exit the park before sunset.Tidal River facilities Campground facilities include amenity blocks, a playground, picnic areas, free gas barbecues and fresh drinking water. Call in to the Visitor Centre at Tidal River during open hours (8.30am -4.00pm during AEST, 8.30am -4.30pm during AEDST) or alternatively phone (03) 5680 9555.Tidal River General Store stocks basic supermarket items as well as a range of souvenirs and camping gear. Hot and cold food is available from the café.There is no fuel at Tidal River. Fuel is available from the townships of Yanakie, Fish Creek and Foster (approximately 30-45 minutes drive).Staying at Tidal River?Tidal River offers a wide range of camping and accommodation options. Fees apply. Camping There are 484 campsites available at Tidal River, all beautifully situated near the beach. Twenty of these sites are powered and pre-booking is recommended. Toilets, hot showers, dishwashing stations and laundry facilities are provided. Accommodation Looking for a few more home luxuries, or enough beds for a large group? Choose from one of the Prom’s Wilderness Retreats, self-contained cabins, group lodges or huts. Advance booking of roofed accommodation is essential at all times.For bookings and enquiries phone: 13 1963 or (03) 5680 9555. Access for all abilitiesAn all-terrain Trail-Rider wheelchair and beach access wheelchairs are available to use free of charge allowing mobility impaired visitors access to many of the Prom’s beaches and walking tracks. Two self contained accessible cabins are available for mobility impaired visitors seeking overnight accommodation. Advance bookings at the Tidal River Visitor Centre are essential at all times. Specialised bathroom equipment is also available to visitors free of charge. For further information on park accessibility visit: www.parks.vic.gov.au.For more information call the Parks Victoria Information Centreon 13 1963 or visit our website www.parks.vic.gov.auBe clean on entry and exitIntroduced marine pests such as the Northern Pacific Seastar have been found in the Tidal River estuary. Marine pests prey on native species and cause changes to marine habitats and fish populations.To prevent the spread of marine pests, please ensure that all equipment including boats, wetsuits, fishing gear and water toys are:clean and dry before entering watercourses cleaned in fresh water and left to dry after exiting watercourses